Hardwood forests, grassy fields, ponds, and marshland surround Sandy Point State Park as it hugs the northwestern shoreline of Chesapeake Bay. This picturesque Maryland state park with its sandy beaches and sparkling waters attract many visitors year round, especially during the warmer months.
Inside this 786-acre (mostly) day use recreational area guests will discover nature trails, scenic picnic areas, fishing and crabbing piers, a Marina, and more. And since the park lies just minutes from downtown Annapolis guests will also have convenient access to shops, restaurants, lodging, and entertainment.
Activities
Visiting Annapolis for a few days? Stop by Sandy Point State Park and stretch your legs, swim, kayak, fish, birdwatch, and pick up something for lunch at the Marina. The Marina carries a selection of picnic supplies and snacks that may be more enjoyed from the picnic area overlooking the bay. This scenic picnic area has tables and grills, and is close to a playground and restrooms.
There’s also a nature center worth checking out inside the park. The Sandy Point Nature Center, located at South Beach Plaza, has an aquarium, interpretive programs, and fun seasonal events.
And while you’re in this area look out over the Bay at the Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse. This historic structure dates from the late 1800s and features a 37 foot Empire style, 8 sided red brick tower that has a white roof and a black lantern.
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Sandy Point State Park:
Boating at Sandy Point State Park
Spend a peaceful day out on the Bay during your visit to Sandy Point State Park. The park features a Marina, boat ramps, docking, and boat rentals to help make your visit more comfortable.
The seasonal Marina has a store, boat rentals, 22 boat launch ramps, and 6 finger piers for first-come first-serve day use docking. The Marina Store carries snacks, ice, fishing supplies, fuel, and rentals of Kayaks, paddle boards, and motorboats.
For guests with their own kayaks, canoes, wind surfers, catamarans, etc. a small-craft launch area is available at the south end of the park.
Swimming at Sandy Point State Park
Enjoy swimming, floating, and sunbathing during your visit to Sandy Point State Park. The park features a mile long sandy beach area and access to beautiful Chesapeake Bay.
Swimming is allowed within designated areas only and lifeguards are on duty on a small section of South Beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Restrooms and showers are conveniently located near the beach area and concessions with snacks and beach supplies are available near the Marina.
Hiking at Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park features two nature trails, the Symbi Trail and the Blue Crab Trail. Each of these easy trails winds through the surrounding hardwood forests, grassy fields, and sandy beaches. As you walk along these trails you’ll pass serene ponds, marshland, stone jetties, and the beautiful flora and fauna of Maryland.
An additional 4 miles of trails may be accessed within the adjacent Corcoran Tract.
Fishing at Sandy Point State Park
Both fishing and crabbing are popular inside Sandy Point State Park. With the right gear and a Maryland fishing license you can fish for catfish, flounder, striped bass, bluefish, white perch, and croaker from the shoreline, along the rock jetties, boat, or fishing pier. Night fishing is also allowed. Bait and fishing supplies are available at the Marina.
Birding at Sandy Point State Park
Hardwood forests, grassy fields, ponds, marshes, stone jetties, and sandy beaches make Sandy Point State Park one of the best bird watching locations within the state of Maryland. An abundance of birdlife is easily spotted all year round.
Before heading out on the nature trails be sure to grab your binoculars and a bird list. You may get an opportunity to see a Double-crested Cormorant, Wild Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Killdeer, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye, Ring-billed Gull, Snow Bunting, or a Northern Gannet.
You may also observe a Tundra Swan, Common Loon, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Savannah Sparrow, Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Red-necked Grebe, Virginia Rail, American Coot, Least Sandpiper, Osprey, or even a Pine Warbler.
Nature and Wildlife at Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park lies just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and offers guests exceptional views of the Bay.
The park also features a variety of wildlife habitats that are home to birds, White-tailed Deer, squirrels, turtles, snakes, rabbits, opossum, raccoons, and foxes.
Pets
Pets are allowed at Sandy Point State Park but must be supervised and leashed. Pets are not permitted inside any park buildings, playground, or on the beach. Dogs are allowed in the beach area between October 1 and April 30.
Camping
Sandy Point State Park offers camping for organized youth groups only. Two rustic camping areas overlooking the Bay are available between April and November each year. Each area has space for 30 campers as well as a picnic shelter, 2 tables and a grill.
Groups interested in participating in a service project during their visit are encouraged to speak with a volunteer coordinator 2 weeks before their planned stay.
Park Location
Sandy Point State Park
1100 E College Pkwy
Annapolis, MD 21409
Phone: 410.974.2149
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Sandy Point State Park:
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